Windhoek: Telecom Namibia (TN) customers experiencing poor network quality now have the option to terminate their contracts without facing early termination penalties, as announced by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN). According to Namibia Press Agency, CRAN revealed this decision following a formal engagement with TN on 03 June 2026, spurred by widespread public concern over network outages, service instability, and the quality of electronic communications services. Emilia Nghikembua, CRAN's Chief Executive Officer, stated that this termination option is available when Telecom Namibia fails to meet the minimum quality-of-service parameters. Nghikembua explained that consumers dissatisfied with network or service quality must first log a complaint with TN. These complaints are required to be acknowledged within 24 hours and resolved within 14 days. Furthermore, 90 per cent of reported faults should be addressed within 48 hours, with all issues resolved within five working days. If is sues remain unresolved, consumers can escalate their cases to CRAN through official consumer complaints platforms. The directive comes after persistent and widespread network failures were reported between January and May 2026. Nghikembua described these disruptions as significant, affecting mobile data, voice calls, and text messaging across Namibia. The outages were attributed to failures in access systems, power supply, fibre connections, hardware, transport infrastructure, and incidents of copper theft. Copper theft has been identified as a major contributor to the network instability, with over 80 cases reported within four months, particularly impacting last-mile connectivity in Windhoek. Nghikembua highlighted the need to modernize the network by transitioning from legacy copper infrastructure to more resilient fibre networks. During the engagement with CRAN, Telecom Namibia outlined the causes of recent disruptions and shared both implemented and planned measures to restore stability. Short-term e fforts include replacing fragile equipment, strengthening backup power systems, securing international links, and intensifying anti-copper theft strategies. Long-term plans involve upgrading backbone capacity, expanding international connectivity, overhauling billing and core systems, and reducing dependency risks in national fibre infrastructure. Telecom Namibia is expected to complete short-term stabilization measures within four months, with CRAN closely monitoring the progress. However, Nghikembua emphasized that sustained investment and structural reform are crucial for long-term stability, resilience, and the operator's viability. CRAN will conduct a thorough analysis of the engagement's outcomes and assess compliance with quality-of-service regulations and licence conditions. If deficiencies are found, enforcement actions, including fines and penalties, will be implemented. CRAN expressed its commitment to ensuring reliable telecommunications services, recognizing their critical role in Namibia's ec onomy and daily life. The authority also called on the public to support efforts in safeguarding telecommunications infrastructure from vandalism, sabotage, and copper theft.